Make a Pitch returns

Andrea Roberts
Times Intern

 

Strathmore is gearing up for its third annual Let’s Make a Pitch event, which will focus on revitalization and community pride.
While it serves as an opportunity for non-profit groups to pitch an idea that will help to improve the town and the community, the organizers continue to look for sponsors for the prize money.
“Each year we chose a different theme and the groups can apply on the online applications,” said Kendra Armstrong, the community events assistant for the Town of Strathmore.
“The big incentive is that there is a cash prize that is given and the hope is to have $10, 000.”
The event is based on the popular TV show; Dragons’ Den. The judges, who have yet to be chosen, will evaluate the projects on three key aspects: how they enhance community engagement; how they inspire change; and how they strengthen Strathmore’s community pride and quality of life.
Each group is given three minutes to present their project idea to the panel of judges. The winning team will receive a cash prize in order to help them accomplish their project but the amount of money is dependent on sponsorships.
Last year’s theme was strengthening quality of life and promoting pride within the community and the winners were the Western District Historical Society who proposed to move the St. Michaels and all Angels Anglican Church building in town and transform it into a museum and offices.
As the winners they will attend the event this year in order to give an update on their progress.
The event was the brainchild of Strathmore’s then-Chief Administrative Officer Dwight Stanford who had experienced a similar event by the Talisman Energy at the Economic Developers Conference in 2014.
Let’s Make a Pitch will be held at the Strathmore Travelodge on October 4 at 7 p.m. and applications will be accepted until September 20 at noon. While the applicants have to be non-profit groups, Armstrong encourages the public to go out to the events to see what projects are showcased. Anyone interested in entering can apply on the website or contact Kendra Armstrong at the Town of Strathmore at (403) 934-3204 (ext.239).